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Portantino Named Legislator of the Year by the Armenian National Committee of America Western Region

From STAFF REPORTS

Published : Tuesday, October 10, 2017 | 1:19 PM

On Sunday, October 8, Senator Anthony J. Portantino, D – La Cañada Flintridge, was recognized as the 2017 Legislator of the Year by the Armenian National Committee of America Western Region (ANCA-WR). ANCA-WR recognized Senator Portantino at their annual gala for his unwavering support of the Armenian Community. Portantino joined notable honorees Garo Paylan, the heroic Armenian Member of the Turkish Parliament; Terry George, the director of The Promise; documentary filmmaker Bared Maronian; and Hon. David Valadao. Earlier this year, Portantino co-hosted a screening of The Promise in Sacramento.

“It is an honor to be recognized by my friends in the ANCA Western Region. The Armenian community has welcomed me and shared their amazing history and rich culture. I am pleased to be in a position where I can work collaboratively to increase the recognition and understanding of the genocide while highlighting the leadership, business and educational contributions of Armenian Americans in the diaspora,” commented Portantino.

Portantino represents California’s 25th Senate District, which is home to the largest Armenian American community in the nation. He chairs the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education and the Senate Select Committee on California, Armenia and Artsakh Trade, Art and Cultural Exchange. Earlier this year, Senator Portantino successfully included funding for Armenian Genocide curriculum implementation and the Armenian American Museum in the California State Budget signed by Governor Brown. He also successfully authored a resolution to place freeway exit signs on the 210 freeway directing visitors to the Pasadena Armenian Genocide memorial.

“From his days as a California State Assemblymember, throughout his campaign for State Senate, and consistently since his election, Senator Anthony Portantino has been a genuine and sincere friend to the Armenian-American community, not just through his words, but through his actions. He has successfully transformed ideas into tangible results and has created practical solutions to address the needs of the Armenian people, not just in the 25th Senate District or California, but even in Armenia and Artsakh. We are truly grateful to Senator Portantino and are proud to recognize and honor him with this year’s Legislator of the Year Award,” remarked ANCA-WR Chair Nora Hovsepian.

Senator Portantino was previously honored by the ANCA-WR while serving in the State Assembly, making him the first political leader to be named Legislator of the Year twice.